IELTS General Writing

Words Recommended
№ Task
minimum time
Task
Write a letter on a given topic 150 words 20 minutes
1
Task Write an essay giving your
250 words 40 minutes
2 opinion and justifying it

IELTS General Writing module lasts 60 minutes and has 2 tasks, which must
both be completed. Although it is recommended to spend approximately 20
minutes on task 1 and about 40 minutes on task 2, you can divide your time
between two sections the way you prefer.

IELTS General Writing Task 1

In this task you are asked to write a letter concerning everyday situation
that you are likely to encounter while living in an English-speaking
environment. For example, a letter to an accommodation officer, your
employer or a friend. The letter may be personal, semi-formal or formal.

You are tested on your ability to:

• write personal correspondence

• provide general factual information
• express your opinions: views, needs, wants, likes and dislikes etc.

IELTS General Writing Task 1 sample:

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

Your friend is celebrating her Birthday soon and has invited you to a party. But
you are unable to come because you are going to attend an important meeting
that day.

Write a letter to your friend and

• thank her for the invitation;

• explain why you cannot come;
• propose to meet on other day;

Write at least 150 words.

You do NOT need to write your own address. Begin your letter as follows:
Dear Mary,

IELTS General Writing Task 1

In this task you will be presented with a situation and asked to write a letter
requesting information or explaining the situation. You can write the
letter in a personal, semi-formal or formal style.

How to answer IELTS General Task 1?

Think about the given situation. The situation is imaginary and you often
have to make up explanations and inquiries for your letter.

Once you have thought out your answer, you should write a letter with the
following structure:

First Briefly give reasons for

paragraph writing a letter.
Issue 1
Write about each issue
Middle Issue 2 you were given in a
task.
Issue 3
Write a polite letter
Last paragraph
closing.

IELTS General Writing Task 1. Sample 1

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

You are a current student of Loren Brusque University, studying Business

Administration. You want to apply for the post of Quality Assurance Manager you
have recently seen on the university's notice board.

Write a letter to Mr. Walker, and

• Give your reason for writing

• Tell about your education
• Describe your work experience and explain why you would be suitable for
the job.

Write at least 150 words.

How to answer this task?
1. Introduce yourself and state your reason for writing.

Start letter in a formal style (it's a job application letter!) and dedicate
first paragraph to the letter opening.

2. Write body paragraphs.

Tell about your education and work experience in separate paragraphs.

Make some details if you need and use linking structures.

3. Write a polite letter closing.

Thank your future employer for his consideration and mention that you
are ready for the interview.

Model answer
Dear Mr Walker,

I am writing to apply for the post of Quality Assurance Manager, which was
advertised on the Student Affairs Office notice board on 2 September 2016. I
believe that my qualifications, personal character and work experience make
me a perfect candidate for this job.

Currently I am studying on M.B.A. program at the Loren Brusque University,

graduating in 2017. I’m studying subjects that are relevant to the offered
post. Moreover, I constantly perfect my management skills by taking various
additional courses.

During my studies I have held the post of Junior Executive at «Hansel's

Corporation» and improved my leadership skills, communication
competences and ability to work in a team. While leading and supervising
subordinates, I gained a valuable experience for the post of Quality
Assurance Manager.

I am available for interview at any time. You can contact me most easily by
the mobile phone number given above.

Thank you for your consideration of my application. I look forward to meeting

you in the nearest future.

Yours sincerely,

Paul Carter
(172 words)

IELTS General Writing Task 1. Sample 2

You should spend about 20 mintues on this task.

You are an alumnus (alumna) of a Bluegill University, registered in a volunteer

program to conduct informal interviews with prospective students. Recently, an
entrant has been assigned to you to have an interview.

Write a letter to the entrant. In your letter:

• state your reason for writing

• briefly describe the interview and inform the entrant of a possibilty to
cancel it
• propose a convenient time for an interview

You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Write at least 150 words.

How to answer this task?

Use vocabulary to write letters.

1. Start a letter in a semi-formal or an informal style.

It is written in the task that you're conducting infomal interviews, so

the letter should maintain the same style.

2. Introduce yourself and state the reason for writing.

3. Make up the details and write about each stated in the task
issue.

It is an imaginary letter, so don't be afraid of inventing interview

description, convenient time and other details.

4. Write a polite letter closing.

Model answer
Hello Alice,

My name is Jessica Halley (Bluegill class of 2013), and I am a volunteer

conducting alumni interviews for the University of Bluegill Admissions Office.
You've been registered in the university system and I'm writing to set an
interview with you.

The alumni interview is a relaxed, informal conversation where you can tell
me something about yourself, and I can answer any questions you have
about our university. The interview is optional and if you wish to cancel it,
just let me know.

Ideally, we should talk sometime in the next two weeks. I am usually free
during the weekends. Would Saturday, January 10th, 8pm GMT +2 work for
you? If not, we can also chat the weekend after, January 17th or 18th. It will
also have to be a remote interview. Can we skype? I can also call your phone
if that's more convenient for you.

Looking forward to hearing from you, and thank you for your interest in
Bluegill University!

Best wishes,

Jessica

(166 words)